Follow this step-by-step guide to professionally clean, polish, and detail your car at home using basic tools and supplies for a showroom finish.
Automotive
FigsiT Project Rating
DIY-friendly
Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid getting cleaning liquids into electrical switches, seat tracks, or dashboard electronics.
Safety gear: Work gloves, Safety glasses
Where to find it
The interior includes all surfaces inside the cabin, such as the dashboard, center console, seats, carpets, and door panels. Floor mats are located on the floorboards in the front and rear seating areas.
What it looks like
The interior consists of various materials like plastic, vinyl, leather, and fabric. Surfaces are typically textured or smooth and may have buttons, vents, or screens integrated into the dashboard and console.
Tools Required (6)
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Parts (4)
Get the exact part. Parts change by year, make, model and engine. Give the parts store all four, or your VIN (it's on your registration, on the sticker inside the driver's door, and on the dashboard where it meets the windshield on the driver's side), and they'll match the right part for your vehicle.
Tell FigsiT your exact setup and get your personal tools list, materials, and steps in seconds.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.
Park the vehicle in a shaded area with the doors open to allow for ventilation and drying.
2.
Remove all trash, personal items, and floor mats from the vehicle.
3.
Thoroughly vacuum the entire interior, including seats, carpets, trunk, and tight crevices between seats and consoles.
4.
Clean floor mats outside the vehicle using a degreaser and scrub brush, then rinse and air dry completely.
5.
Apply interior cleaner to a microfiber towel and wipe down the dashboard, console, door panels, and other hard surfaces.
6.
Use a soft-bristle brush to agitate cleaner in vents, seams, and textured areas, then wipe away residue with a clean towel.
7.
Clean leather or fabric seats using appropriate cleaners, avoiding excessive moisture near seat rails or electrical components.
8.
Clean all interior glass and mirrors using an ammonia-free glass cleaner and a clean microfiber towel.
9.
Allow the interior to dry completely before replacing floor mats and personal items.
Want to see it done first?
Knowing what a job really takes is half the battle won.
FigsiT. Get the answers now. figsit.com/guide/detail-a-car-at-home
Tell FigsiT your exact setup and get your personal tools list, materials, and steps in seconds.